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Cryptic diversity within two widespread diadromous freshwater fishes (Teleostei: Galaxiidae)
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  • Charlotte Jense,
  • Mark Adams,
  • Tarmo A. Raadik,
  • Jonathan Waters,
  • David Morgan,
  • Leon Barmuta,
  • Scott A. Hardie,
  • Bruce E. Deagle,
  • Chris Burridge
Charlotte Jense
University of Tasmania Discipline of Biological Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Mark Adams
South Australian Museum
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Tarmo A. Raadik
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
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Jonathan Waters
University of Otago Department of Zoology
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David Morgan
Murdoch University Harry Butler Institute
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Leon Barmuta
University of Tasmania Discipline of Biological Sciences
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Scott A. Hardie
University of Tasmania Discipline of Biological Sciences
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Bruce E. Deagle
CSIRO Hobart
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Chris Burridge
University of Tasmania Discipline of Biological Sciences
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Abstract

Aim Identification of taxonomically cryptic species is essential for the effective conservation of biodiversity. Freshwater-limited organisms tend to be genetically isolated by drainage boundaries, and thus may be expected to show substantial cryptic phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity. By comparison, populations of diadromous taxa, that migrate between freshwater and marine environments, are expected to show less genetic differentiation. Here we test for cryptic diversity in Australasian populations (both diadromous and non-diadromous) of two widespread Southern Hemisphere fish species. Location Throughout both their Australian ranges (including Lord Howe Island) and localities in New Zealand (including the Subantarctic Islands and Chatham Island). Taxon Galaxias brevipinnis and Galaxias maculatus. Methods mtDNA and nuclear markers were used to assess the presence of cryptic species and to determine if differences in species ecology could influence the degree of cryptic diversity. Results Both mtDNA and nuclear markers reveal putative cryptic species within these taxa. The substantial diversity detected within G. brevipinnis may be explained by its strong climbing ability which allows it to form isolated inland populations. In island populations, G. brevipinnis similarly show deeper genetic divergence than those of G. maculatus, which may be explained by the greater abundance of G. maculatus larvae in the sea allowing more ongoing dispersal. Main conclusions Our study highlights that even widespread, ‘high-dispersal’ species can harbour substantial cryptic diversity and therefore warrant increased taxonomic and conservation attention.
04 Jul 2023Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
04 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
04 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
11 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
13 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Feb 20242nd Revision Received
05 Mar 2024Submission Checks Completed
05 Mar 2024Assigned to Editor
05 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Mar 2024Editorial Decision: Accept